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Using fog lights instead of DRLs. When and at what time should you turn on the low and high beams, fog lights and daytime running lights? Regulatory requirements for DRL

A modern car has as many as 8 different lighting devices installed (there is also a backlight for the rear license plate, but in this case we are not interested in it). And we need to use these 7 lighting devices: headlights, flashlights, foglights and other things in different ways, depending on as many as 8 conditions. Let's list lighting devices and conditions for their use for 2019!

So, the car has so-called external lighting devices. These include:

1. headlights: low beam;
2. headlights: high beam;
3. rear lights;
4. fog lights (PTF);
5. rear fog lights;
6. parking lights;
7. daytime running lights (DRLs).

And among the conditions for including certain lighting devices in the traffic rules, there are the following:

1. daylight hours;
2. dark time of day: illuminated road;
3. dark time of day: unlit road;
4. low visibility conditions;
5. standing/moving car;
6. trailer/towed vehicle;
7. populated/non-populated area.

Are you scared? It's actually not all that scary. Let's find out when and in what cases you need to turn on fog lights, high or low beam headlights and dimensions. Data current as of October 25, 2019. For convenience, we will consider the rules for using car lights depending on the time of day and other conditions, and answer some pressing questions. And at the end of the article we will provide a table as a simple way to remember when which lights need to be turned on on the car.

What light should I use during the day?

During the day, namely, during daylight hours, we can use daytime running lights (19.5 traffic rules). But instead of DRLs (not only if they are not installed in the car, but also at the driver’s request), you can use low beam headlights or fog lights (19.4 + 19.5 traffic rules).

During daylight hours (provided that there are no conditions of insufficient visibility), you need to turn on:

• Daytime Running Lights;
• dipped headlights;
• fog lights (but not in combination with low beams or DRLs).

During daylight hours you should not turn on:

• high beam headlights;

What light to use in the dark?

The dark time of the day in the traffic rules is defined as “the period of time from the end of the evening twilight to the beginning of the morning twilight” (1.2 of the traffic rules). Thus, the dark time of the day includes the entire night, evening from the end of twilight and morning until the beginning of dawn.

At night you need to turn on:

• dipped or high beam headlights while driving (see below under what conditions high beams cannot be used);
• side lights when stopping or parking on the road, as well as on trailers and towed vehicles;
• fog lights - only on unlit sections of roads and only in combination with low or high beam headlights.

Also, in the dark, you can turn on a special spotlight if you have one, provided you are driving outside a populated area and in the absence of oncoming cars.

In the dark it is forbidden to use:

• high beam headlights:
  • in populated areas, if the road is lit,
  • if oncoming traffic is closer than 150 meters to you or even further and at the same time flashes its headlights at you,
  • in any other cases when it is possible to blind drivers (namely drivers, not pedestrians) of oncoming and passing cars;
• fog lights - on illuminated roads or on unlit roads without low or high beam headlights;
• Daytime Running Lights;
• rear fog lights.

What light to use in conditions of poor visibility (in fog)?

The conditions of insufficient visibility are also defined in the Rules, so there is no ambiguity here. These conditions include driver visibility of less than 300 meters in fog, twilight, rain, snow, and the like. In general, if the visibility of the road is approximately less than 300 meters, the only time it is night, then these are conditions of insufficient visibility.

In conditions of insufficient visibility, you need to turn on:

• dipped or high beam headlights when moving (see above in the description of lighting at night, in what conditions you cannot use high beams);
• side lights when stopping and parking - low beam headlights, fog lights or rear fog lights together with side lights can also be turned on in conditions of poor visibility (as opposed to the dark).
• fog lights - only in combination with low or high beam headlights (and on roads of any illumination, as opposed to the dark).
• rear fog lights (this is the only condition in which they can be used).

In conditions of insufficient visibility, you cannot use:

• fog lights without low or high beam headlights;
• daytime running lights.

What light should I use in the tunnel?

Traffic regulations regulate the mandatory inclusion in tunnels (clause 19.1). The rule here is simple: the conditions for using certain lighting devices are the same as in the dark.

When can you use the emergency lights?

Hazard alarms are also considered a lighting device, and traffic regulations clearly regulate the possibility of their use. So, the emergency lights need to be turned on:

• if you get into an accident along with a warning triangle (2.5 traffic rules + 7.1 traffic rules);
• if a situation arises where your car poses a danger;
• when forced to stop in a place where stopping is prohibited (together with an emergency stop sign);
• when towing on a towed vehicle;
• if you are blinded by oncoming traffic.

When can you blink your headlights?

Yes, most often drivers blink their headlights (one or more short-term switches of headlights from low beam or DRL to high beam) when warning oncoming cars about traffic police officers. However, traffic rules recommend doing this in completely different cases. Which ones:

• to warn other road users about overtaking;
• if you are blinded by an oncoming vehicle.

At the same time, nowhere in the Rules is there a direct prohibition on blinking headlights. However, traffic police officers may regard this as a violation of traffic rules, as a result of which you can easily earn a fine of 500 rubles. Think for yourself, when you blink you turn on the high beam, but in most cases it is prohibited to turn it on.

As you can see, everything is very simple! But let's simplify these Rules for the use of lighting devices even further and present everything in a visual tabular form.

Table footnotes:

1. Instead of low beam headlights
2. Only in combination with low or high beam headlights

And, finally, an official excerpt from the current 2019 traffic regulations, Chapter 19 on external lighting devices.

19. Use of external lighting devices and sound signals.

19.1. In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be turned on on a moving vehicle:

• on all motor vehicles - high or low beam headlights, on bicycles - headlights or lanterns, on horse-drawn carts - lanterns (if equipped);
• on trailers and towed motor vehicles - side lights.

19.2. High beam should be switched to low beam:

• in populated areas, if the road is illuminated;
• when passing oncoming traffic at a distance of at least 150 m from the vehicle, and also at a greater distance, if the driver of the oncoming vehicle periodically switching the headlights indicates the need for this;
• in any other cases to eliminate the possibility of blinding drivers of both oncoming and passing vehicles.

If blinded, the driver must turn on the hazard warning lights and, without changing lanes, reduce speed and stop.

19.3. When stopping and parking in the dark on unlit sections of roads, as well as in conditions of insufficient visibility, the side lights on the vehicle must be turned on. In conditions of poor visibility, low-beam headlights, fog lights and rear fog lights can be turned on in addition to the side lights.

19.4. Fog lights can be used:

• in conditions of poor visibility with low or high beam headlights;
• at night on unlit sections of roads in conjunction with low or high beam headlights;
• instead of low beam headlights in accordance with paragraph 19.5 of the Rules.

19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.

19.6. The spotlight and searchlight may only be used outside populated areas in the absence of oncoming vehicles. In populated areas, only drivers of vehicles equipped in the prescribed manner with blue flashing lights and special sound signals can use such headlights when performing an urgent official task.

19.7. Rear fog lights can only be used in conditions of poor visibility. Do not connect rear fog lights to brake lights.

The Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a fine for driving without the DRLs on during the daytime. Many European and Scandinavian countries have been using similar practices for many years, and other countries are adopting such policies from their neighbors. It is for this reason that we decided to consider in more detail the concept of daytime running lights, their types, purpose, requirements and other aspects of this topic.

What are daytime running lights

Daytime running lights are side lights (headlights) that are used for daytime lighting. There are both standard (installed by the factory) and additionally installed ones. Thanks to the use of such dimensions, the vehicle is better visible to others.

The presence of DRLs improves the visibility of your car to pedestrians and other motorists; this factor significantly reduces the risk of a car accident.

According to statisticians, after amendments were made to the traffic rules, the number of car accidents in our country decreased by half.

The absence of standard running lights entails drivers using other light sources that are not prohibited by law as an analogue. Let's look at the types and classifications of such analogues.

DRL classification

Driving lights- the most effective way to use. This type of headlight is installed on every car; it should be used only in the absence of oncoming cars, in order to avoid dazzling them, and better at night.

But as an analogue for DRLs, in the daytime, you can use the high beam in half a channel; this option is interesting because it provides brightness, and due to partial power use, energy consumption is reduced.

If connected correctly, the high beam can be used by 30%, and the switching on can be made automatic, which is what a large number of motorists use. But you should be extremely careful and attentive, since using high beam headlights requires certain knowledge and qualifications.

Low beam headlights- the most common method, which is used as DRL. Since these headlights do not require additional adjustment or intervention from the driver. Just turn it on and you're good to go. The disadvantage of using low beam is high power consumption, which can affect battery charge. Also, according to the law, the use of low-beam headlights as an analogue of daytime running lights is permitted.

Fog lights– the name speaks for itself, this type of size is not designed for use as a DRL, it is designed for use in foggy weather and with insufficient visibility. An absolute plus is, of course, energy consumption. The disadvantage of this option is that the headlights are located too low and the light of such headlights is often yellow, which reduces visibility in the daytime. Also, the power of the headlights is lower than in other options. Nevertheless, the use of this type of dimensions as an analogue of DRLs is not prohibited.

Additional (independent) headlights– the most ideal option for using dimensions as DRLs. These headlights are designed for daytime lighting. As has already been said, such headlights are not installed standard on many cars, and this is precisely the disadvantage of this option. Connection and installation will require certain costs. It will also be necessary to make changes to the design of the factory assembly of the car, which should not be done independently, without experience and skills in this direction. The undoubted advantages are durability, brightness, and minimal energy consumption.

There are lamp and LED variations of additional headlights. An absolute plus, and probably the only one, of lamp products is their low cost. LED running lights have advantages such as low energy consumption, high brightness and long service life. Also, the LED variation is much less blinding to oncoming drivers.

1. Philips LED DayLight8
2. HELLA LEDayFlex 8,
3. Osram Led Riving FOG
4. EgoLight DRL-D70/DRL-120Р18

Regulatory requirements for DRL

When choosing DRLs for your car, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the headlights must comply with the standards established by GOST.

1. Availability of two dimensions on the vehicle. The headlights must be located on the front of the car; to fully verify this condition, the light emitted by the headlights should not be reflected in mirrors or other mirror surfaces.
2. At a height of no less than 25 and no more than 150 centimeters from the ground. A distance of no more than 60 centimeters must be maintained between two headlights. From the overall dimensions to the extreme point of the car - no more than 40 centimeters. The direction of the headlights must be forward.
3. The daytime running lights should turn on automatically when the ignition is turned on. It also turns off automatically when the car changes to other dimensions, if necessary.
4. It is necessary to observe the angle at which the light will come from. Horizontal plane – 200. Vertical plane – 100. Pay special attention to this point, since this is what drivers most often violate.
5. And the main parameter is the use of only white lights; you may be fined for using other colors.

Traffic rules requirements

Let's consider the requirements for daytime running lights, which are established by law and specified in the traffic regulations. On November 20, 2010, an amendment was made that requires the use of DRLs during the daytime. In paragraph 3.3. it also says that you cannot use a vehicle on which the dimensions used to consecrate the vehicle are dirty.

If your DRLs are not installed according to the GOST rules, which we studied above, you may also be subject to penalties of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

To install additional headlights that are planned to be used as DRLs, you will need to obtain permission from the traffic police; We do not recommend installing it yourself, even if you follow all the rules.

Please note that even if you installed the DRL with minor violations, and the traffic police did not notice this, the next technical inspection will reveal that the installation was carried out without permission, and this will entail additional costs.

Responsibility for violating traffic rules

For violating traffic regulations, you can receive a fine of 500 rubles from a traffic police officer, and this is for the absence of one headlight. For the first time you can get off with a warning. Let’s also take a quick look at what other types of violations you can get a fine for.

Daytime running lights are devices that perform the function of identifying a vehicle. They make the vehicle catchy and expressive, and accordingly, such a car is easier to see in sunny weather conditions. That is, daytime lights are your personal safety.

• Independent DRLs are individual LED modules of two pieces, which are placed below the car's optics on the bumper or in the radiator grille.
• Low beam - may be used as .
• PTF - can also be used as daytime running lights.

These are the three most popular daylighting elements used and differ in many ways. The most effective are, of course, daytime lights in independent modules, since they better perform the function of identifying the car.

Differences between DRL, PTF and low beam

The table shows that independent DRLs have maximum advantages compared to halogen or xenon PTFs and low-beam lighting. Once installed on your car

They tell us that according to the rules, moving vehicles must have daytime running lights or low beam headlights on, which will clearly indicate the car on the roadway.

allows drivers to use fog lights during the day instead of running lights or low beam headlights.

The Administrative Code establishes in two articles penalties for lack of daylight:

1. It is said that if the driver simply violated the rules, then he will receive warning or fine.

   This could include a situation where the driver forgot to turn on the light.

2. says that the same fine can be received if the running lights or low beams are faulty, this is another violation in which operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

   Faults include, for example, light bulbs not working or headlights being too dirty.

The Traffic Rules indicate that, subject to safety precautions, you can drive with these faults to the repair site or parking lot. In this matter, the Traffic Regulations and the Code of Administrative Offenses contradict each other.

Punishment for violation

A car driving without lights falls under two articles of the Administrative Code. For driving with the headlights not on, the employee has the right to give a written warning and release the negligent motorist, and may issue a fine of 500 rubles.

If the running lights or low beam are faulty, then driving such a vehicle is prohibited. The Code provides for the same type of punishment: warning or fine of 500 rubles.

There are also several nuances associated with running lights:

1. You can receive a fine if drive with running lights in the evening and at night- You should switch to low beam.
2. If fog lights were turned on instead of running lights, you should also remember to switch to low beam when evening comes, otherwise a fine cannot be avoided.
3. The fine is inevitable if a traffic police officer sees homemade running lights. In vehicles that do not have them, you can install daytime running lights, but you must first obtain permission to do so.
4. If the running lights are not installed correctly and blind other drivers, this also falls under the article. There is a standard that describes exactly how these lights should be configured - GOST R 41.48-2004.

Who determines the level of responsibility?

The traffic police officer decides on the spot whether to issue a fine or limit himself to a warning. He looks at the situation how the driver behaves, how often he had violations, other mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

It's more of a human factor. But for the first such violation, you can count on a written warning.

If a car gets into a car with the exterior lights not turned on, it automatically becomes the culprit of the accident! Even if he complied with all other traffic rules and was not actually at fault.

Driving without running lights or daytime running lights turned on automatically creates an emergency situation on the road, because the car becomes less noticeable to other road users.

If the traffic police officer is going to issue a fine, but the driver does not agree, then first the protocol is written, and then a decision is made.

The driver has the right to challenge the decision of the traffic police officer in the traffic police department or in court, if he has arguments in his defense. To do this, the protocol must describe as accurately as possible what the driver disagrees with and what the road conditions were.

It is advisable to provide a photo or video, confirming the absence of a violation. In special cases, even a dictaphone recording of a conversation with a traffic police officer can help the driver! The driver is given only 10 days to challenge.

Penalties for not turning on running lights are small - this is minimum fine for. But the importance of switched on, and most importantly, correctly switched on lights is very often underestimated by road users.

If a car does not have illumination, it can simply not be noticed or mislead other drivers. Such carelessness can lead to serious accidents.

Therefore, for your own safety, never forget to turn on your daytime running lights or low beams- make your presence known on the road!